A home-based, multidisciplinary liver optimisation programme for the first 28 days after an admission for acute-on-chronic liver failure (LivR well): a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) represents a rising global healthcare burden, characterised by increasing prevalence among patients with decompensated cirrhosis who have a 28-day transplantation-free mortality of 33.9%. Due to disease complexity and a high prevalence of socio-economic disadvantage, there are deficits in quality of care and adherence to guideline-based treatment in this cohort.

Short-term intraperitoneal catheters: An ambulatory care intervention for refractory ascites secondary to cirrhosis during COVID-19.

Background And Aim: Patients with refractory ascites have frequent hospital admissions, which pose exposure risks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a novel 12-week, multidisciplinary ambulatory care program allowing frequent low-volume ascitic drainage through a tunneled, intraperitoneal catheter (IPC).

Methods: Adult patients with cirrhosis complicated by refractory ascites were recruited through a liver clinic in a tertiary health service in Melbourne, Australia from April to December 2020.

A retrospective cost analysis of angioplasty compared to bypass surgery for lower limb arterial disease in an Australian tertiary health service.

Introduction: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and surgical bypass (BYP) are treatment options for symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PTA and BYP have different clinical outcomes and cost implications. This paper aims to compare hospital-related costs of PTA and BYP for PAD of the lower limbs in an Australian health service.

Environmental tobacco smoke and peripheral arterial disease: A review.

Background And Aims: Despite worldwide reductions in active smoking, non-smokers continue to be exposed to environmental tobacco smoke, especially at home or workplace. There is a well-recognised association between active smoking and peripheral arterial disease, however, a relationship to environmental tobacco smoke exposure is less substantiated. The aims of this paper are to review the literature regarding the association between environmental tobacco smoke and peripheral arterial disease and identify the public health implications of the findings.